phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Re: The
Term Knocked-Up

Posted by Jean
Dewar on January 10, 2003

Hello, I am co-facilitator for a
group which empowers and encourages abused women. Part of empowering and encouraging
group participants is to help them understand derogatory statements and slanderous
terms towards women. During one of our group meetings a woman who is pregnant
referred to herself as being knocked-up. Immediately another participant who is
pregnant questioned her as to why she would refer to her pregnancy as a state
of being knocked-up. This of course brought on much conversation and questions
as to where this term came from, it's true meaning etc..Again this morning I heard
the term used by a female radio announcer when referring to a popular sit-com's
female star (wonder if she will get knocked-up this season and how many times?)
I have searched several websites and not been able to find the origin of this
term. Your site lists its definition as being "in a state of pregnacy." Is this
not a term that encourages sexism and demeans women?
Thank you
Jean Dewar